Putting together a plan makes us evaluate a situation, look at the various options available and decide which direction provides the outcome we hope to experience. Circumstances can occur along the way to make us adjust our best laid plans, but there is a much better chance of success if the planning takes place. If we look closely, there are numerous plans in our lives.

As Christians we see many plans that God has in place. The creation of the world was God’s original, perfect plan. But with temptation and the fall of Adam and Eve, another of God’s plans was put into place. Since sin broke the perfect relationship between God and man, something had to be done to bridge the chasm that now existed. God sent His Son to enter the world, lead the perfect life that man was unable to do and reestablish the perfect union with God. Jesus died on the cross, defeated sin and rose from the dead on that glorious Easter morning to complete the plan God had unveiled to the fallen world.

We are reminded in Jeremiah 29:11 of the connection God wants for each of us. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The same God that created us doesn’t stop there. He desires a relationship with us, has plans for us and leaves us with the promise that Jesus spells out in John 14. “My Father’s house has many rooms…..I am going there to prepare a place for you.” God’s plan insures that our eternal future is secure.

Before we can experience the plan for us in Heaven, there are other plans in place for us. If we don’t take the time to complete a Will or Revocable Living Trust, we are said to die Intestate, or without a plan. But in Michigan the state has a plan for us. It is called EPIC or the Estates and Protected Individuals Code. The Probate Court will appoint your Personal Representative, decide who will care for your minor children and ultimately how your estate will be divided. But you may not agree with the decisions that are made. There is a way for you to make your wishes known to help insure that your plan is carried out.

Write your own plan, your Will or Revocable Living Trust. Prayerfully consider who you would like to serve as your Personal Representative, Guardian of your minor children and Power of Attorney for Healthcare and Finances. Talk to the people you would like to serve, to make sure they are willing to fill those roles. Complete your plan documents. Get your Estate Plan in place.

Eighty percent of Michiganders make charitable contributions each year. Gifts could be to their church, public charity or other ministries. But less than 10 percent include a gift as part of their Estate Plan. Does your family expect to receive an inheritance from you? Would they miss it if you included a percentage of your estate assets to your most beloved ministries? Make your Estate Gift by adding them as a beneficiary of your Retirement Plan, IRA or a Life Insurance policy. Include a bequest as part of your Will or Revocable Living Trust. Make your Plan known and write it down. Then it is your Gift and you are not relying on others to bless your favorite ministry. Do it today.

This website and the material provided in it are not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy CEF securities. The offering of CEF securities is made solely by our Offering Circular. CEF will offer and sell our securities only in states where authorized. The securities are subject to certain risk factors as described in our Offering Circular. CEF investments are not insured by the FDIC, SIPC, or any other governmental agency.